Freedom fighting* in Singapore

Most posts would point out how expensive Singapore is.  While I prepared for my short stay in Singapore, I wanted to test my budget/backpacking traveling skills in this aspect.  How far can you truly stretch your pocket for a two night and one day trip?

1.  Couch-surf.  Though I was traveling with two other friends, we managed to ask a friend to welcome us to his house for free.  This included free breakfasts and a welcome dinner at a fastfood chain. Cost: token from the Philippines with much of  news and listening...

Our first lunch was in this heritage place 

2.  Borrowed transport card.  It was very convenient to be handed out a transport card by our host. The card brought us to the sights that we wanted to see.  We used it for the bus and the train. We just topped it up.  I thought of buying a Tourist Pass but since we didn't make up our mind of where to go, we just settled for the transport card. Cost: 10 SgD

You can't surely miss the skyline...

The background may all look modern but they took a pose at 

 Finally meeting the Merlion!

Lost in the arts...

Goofing around at the Flower Garden

Reunion with friends to cap the day...

Singapore by night...

These tourists need some downtime too!

3.  Sightseeing.  Since we only had a day to go around the city, it was very difficult to point out places that we want to go.  We settled for getting a feel of the city in the most inexpensive way.  We stopped at Orchard station and walked through the buildings and the sights.    We went around the marina for 4 hours!  We went to some of the museums and gardens.  At the Bay Garden, we were lucky enough to get free tickets from a friend.  That was very impressive and would surely give you an idea on how much the country invested on tourism.  Cost: Free + some tokens from the Philippines

4.  Meals.  We were hosted by different sets of friends from different 'lifetimes' and circumstances in Singapore.  They re-introduced me to different Singaporean vegetarian dishes and fare.   Spicing it up with cryptic updates and stories, the meals shared were superb.  And oh, please don't skip the local ice cream sold just by the streets.  This ensures that you help the local economy. Cost: 15 SgD (Tip: Take a water bottle with you from home if you truly want to keep it low)

5.   Freedom fighting.  Simple, you simply enjoy what is shared for free!

6.  Airfare. We took the Cebu-Singapore flight of Cebu Pacific.  It costed us 1,800 (exclusive of taxes).  It was a stopover trip on my way to Indonesia.

Travel Light

Traveling light is traveling in style.  You breeze through check ins and head straight to your destination upon arrival. You are one happy person squeezing through the public transport system, saving a lot of money.

Some tips:

1.  Plan very well, analyze the nature of your trip.
2.  It pays to wash clothes.  What is a 10 minute washing compared to an eternal lugging in of oversized luggage?
3.  Traveling for a week, a month or even months sounds the same to me:

         A.  2 pairs of pants (the first pair is worn on day 1)

         B.  2 lightweight clothes 

         c.  4 tops (shirts or blouses)

         d.  2 leggings

         e.  underwears 

         f.  microfiber towel

         g.  sarong

         h.  toiletries. & laundry soap

         g. camera

         h.  traveling adopter.

4.  wear the bulkiest clothes and footwear at the airport or in long journeys.

5.  Maintain a good disposition.  Be happy!

The pilgrimage continues

I first worked with the Taize Community in the early 90s.  I have the privilege of working with them in the Manila Pilgrimage of Trust.  Thanks to the Brothers, I got to know Manila broadly and had the glimpse of the iron city.

Years after, another pilgrimage was held in Don Bosco, Makati. I came as a pilgrim and a volunteer in the actual meeting.

It was a reunion of sorts and a way to reconnect with the inner voice.  Indeed, the way to peace is through trust and reconciliation.

Respecting the Place

The 'mainstream' traveler visits places to fulfill their bucket lists.  Others get lucky to find a good airfare deal at the right time when their credit cards are not yet maxed out.  However, there are those lovers of adventures who just can't get enough of cultures and peoples.  They hop from one place to another simply to look for the right mix and the right blend of thrills.  To which category you belong to is not my topic here.

I would like to talk about respect of the place.  Of course, there are those social norms that you can't do without especially if the laws of the place demand it.  When the show of flesh is frowned upon, I hide behind my shawls and my loose clothes to play it safe.

Another point that tugged my mind is on the issue to splurge and how much?  When the exchange rate is too low, one gets the 'false' notion of being a millionaire. When poverty reeks to the point of shock, how much tip do we give to service providers?  What about gifts?

What about the norms to observe in visiting houses and villages?  Normally, I go visit these places only when am ready and is genuinely interested in meeting others.  I need to be fully present, breathe into the newness of the place and culture and to be sensitive to what they want to show.  Being invited to someone's home is an honor.

What about photographs?  I don't click much in my travels.  I am prepared to store memories in the heart.  While we may have our own dream photographs in mind to take, I normally ask permission to take photos.

The best way to ensure 'unobtrusive' travel is to be with a local.  They give you signs when rules can be broken and what norms to truly follow.

Darmada haven by the off the beaten track

Sidemen in Bali, Indonesia is considered by guidebooks as one of the off the beaten tracks.  One can go on endless treks without meeting other tourists.  You can simply enjoy the place by yourself.  But, this doesn't mean that the place is replete of places where you can lay your head to rest...  There are simply places that pampers you.  Darmada is one of those places...

 

Temple of Literature

It was a walking morning for us.  My colleague was longing for a bottle of water (almost up to obsession), I guess she failed to notice some of the sights.  I was very excited to go to the temple of literature to pay tribute to my first love -- academia.

Indeed, the Temple of Literature stood out as a place of learning and growth.  I was very impressed by the landmarks installed to pay tribute to the doctors of education a few centuries, way before our generations.

One of the gates: Open Sesame!

Those carved wood is just anywhere

one can find your corner anywhere

Paying tribute to Confucius

In honor of the PhDs in that time...

Awesome One Pillar Pagoda

After walking around Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, we headed off to get our cameras. One can simply breathe into the photogenic sights all over the compound.

I was also very excited to pay tribute to an architectural landmark called One Pillar Pagoda. At first, I thought it was just another overhyped touristic area where goods are alternatively sold. I wasn't prepared that locals flock to the place to actually pray there!

Despite the throngs of tourists, the place is well-maintained and the place kept to its solemn atmosphere. Also, the guidebooks were correct in saying that it truly is an architectural landmark.

And by the way, I only spent around 15,000 dong for entry and some drinks.  

Facelifting Penang

I've been to Penang, Malaysia many times.  However, it was my June visit that I truly acted like a tourist.  In most of my visits then, I was like a raging bull that tackled my meetings and my visits and of course, my favorite food.  Then off I went.

Georgetown is a UNESCO heritage site.  It reeks of traditions and history.  And because of this, some buildings were a bit run down.  In Penang, the government did its best to conserve Georgetown.  Not only that, they managed to integrate arts in the pathways.  Here are some evidences.

Backpacking Maldives

It is true.  In just one glance, the seas of Maldives blends into several colors of blue and green.

It is also a fact that it is a pricey place.

Another fact to add is that you can see nothing much of Maldives in Male.  But the the different sea colors can drown you into ecstasy.  But nah, it is prohibited to show off your priced swimming gears.

Here are some tips to survive Male.
1.  Couchsurfing.  Although it is not so common out there, you can actually try your best.  This can save much.
2.  Visit during low season.  This gives you more mobility.
3.  When traveling South Asia, include it in the itinerary.  As it is a honeymoon place, it is prohibitively expensive to go straight to Maldives from wherever you are.  However, going to Male from Colombo or any city in India is very reasonable.
4.  Survive immigration.  Dress respectably (not too shabbily) at the airport.  You can breeze through it with a smile or undergo much questions regarding your capacity to holiday in that lovely isle.
5.  Respect the place.  Please observe the dress code.  Showing of 'flesh' may be tolerated to some extent but not much when you're a lone traveler.
6.  Leave porky and spirits behind.  In order not to catch much attention and controversies, don't take pork products and alcohol with you. 
7.  Replenish supplies before boarding the plane.  Maldives is expensive.  Especially if you traveled in South Asia for sometime, you get a shock to the high price of goods.  Also, the products are limited.  If you are fussy with a particular type of shampoo or bar of soap, secure one before boarding the plane.
8.  Take canned goods or food with you.  If you get lucky, you can barter it with a good hangout or acquaintance.  You get lucky to be cool.

Happy trip everyone!

Them Artisans

What spiced up Hanoi is not just its spicy foods and its beguiling sites.  What added zest to the land is its arts.  The beauty of the place inspired everyone to unleash the arts in them.  This did not only become a source of income for the artists but it has also become a national pride for them.  

As an art lover, my only word to top it all is PURE HARD WORK.

THE BASE

Where are the men artists?

Concentration and focus

the finished artworks are seen in the background

Caving at Ha Long

While preparing for my 3-day trip to Hanoi, the most I could do was decide the choice places to go.  I spent most of my time looking for the correct footwear.  Why?  I was scared to encounter an unnecessary accident in negotiating the 'famous' cave in Ha Long.  It took me two agonizing days to search and look for the right footwear.

So I reached Ha Long Bay ever ready to tackle any type of cave with a no slip formula.  However, I found out that the cave we went to was too friendly and I was just preparing for the 'worstest' scenario.  Still, it was a good cave that we were into.

Ha Long Rocks

Either way you read the title of this blog.  You may understand this in many ways.  But truly, Ha Long Bay is  a standout.

I detest the mass tourism of the area.  The unimaginable ecological impact brought to the place is way too much.  For example, the water is so murky.  I never thought of taking a dip in those waters. 

But the rock formations is another topic.  Hands down, it was what I came in for.  And for whatever criticisms I can talk about the place, the rock formations is still a winner.

Elsewhere, in those cliffs, you get a glimpse of the towering gods.

rock formation inside a cave.

colorful stalactites

I looked up looking for something great and got rewarded with something way much greater.

HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM: prohibitively exciting

Friends said that it is in the must-go list.  The guidebook put it on the top list.  I almost veered away from the normal route.  I’ve been to the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Saigon and I thought since I’ve been to one, there is no need to go elsewhere.  However, I was indeed happy that I didn’t skip this route.

I can’t give a detailed photograph of the museum as my camera was taken in custody. This gave me more focus to breathe into the experience and remember everything.  

I can’t forget the long line.  The queue was impossibly long at 8:00 AM.  The locals and the foreigners were there, fully observing the dress code!  Although the line was long, people were much disciplined.  The presence of the museum guards (must be military) also subdued the atmosphere.  They were very much in command that there glance or frown made one stand on the line on a hushed tone.  (Yeah, I did the same! J)

Stepping into the mausoleum was just very quick.  However, the atmosphere was very solemn.  He was indeed revered as the father of the nation.  I’ve seen a local shed a tear and lowered her head with a bow at the mere sight of the body of Uncle Ho.  I was also kept silent looking into how he managed to inspire Vietnam to fight against the colonizers and made one great country humble.

I wonder if my country would also ever produce one leader that would ever rally us to a change beyond our own personal interests.

A friend 'smuggled' her i-phone into the mausoleum.  This is the only photo she prohibitively took.  It was the Presidential Palace that we took and not the mausoleum though...

Hanoi Drinks

Tops in my list are the fresh fruit juices.  I can't get enough of them

All of the fruits displayed here are convertible to juices :-)

Another shift to cold coffee and dilmah tea

it still looks like cocktail

A generous mojito

how adventurous can you be?  pick your choice...

I can't get enough of the drinks in Hanoi.  The beer is available anywhere.  But since I resolved to cut down on my spirits, I zero my choice to the fruit juices.  In just any corner, you can have them as fresh as it can be.

In one of the evenings in Hanoi, we went to City View Cafe.  The mojito in the picture is prepared by the bartenders there.  They are too generous on the alcohol.  You get your money's worth...